Leave a Legacy

By leaving a gift in your will to the National Opera Studio, you’re helping to ensure the future of an organisation you’ve loved during your lifetime. A bequest to the National Opera Studio, however modest, is an eloquent and practical act of support.

Everyone who makes the thoughtful decision to leave a gift to the Studio (and tells us of their intention) is invited to join our Legacy Circle. The members of this circle, which has as its Patron, Marie McLaughlin, enjoy the opportunity to get closer to the Studio through invites to events, as well as recognition on our website and in programmes. We understand that some people prefer to keep the personal decision of leaving a legacy private, but we would be delighted to hear from you if you feel able to let us know so that we can thank you during your lifetime.

“As a proud alum of the National Opera Studio in London, I can attest to the vital role it played in shaping my career. Established in 1987 with a visionary spirit, the Studio has been a nurturing ground for young opera singers since its inception. The unwavering commitment of its exceptional staff, their dedication to honing musical, dramatic, and vocal prowess, propelled me and countless other talented individuals towards international acclaim. It is imperative to recognise that this institution, through its outstanding programmes and mentorship, has enabled numerous British talents to shine on the global stage. Today, I appeal for your support to ensure the future of the National Opera Studio, safeguarding its legacy of fostering exceptional artists for generations to come. Your financial contribution can make a profound difference, ensuring the continued elevation of opera as an art form.”

Marie McLaughlin, 1978/79 alum

Letting us know about your gift will be treated with the strictest confidence and does not place you under any obligation.

Legacies can be made by way of a gift of cash, shares, or property. Your solicitor can advise you on writing your will. As the National Opera Studio is a registered charity (no. 274755), no inheritance tax is payable on the amount of your legacy. In certain situations, this may be an effective way of reducing the tax liability of your estate while benefiting a favourite charity.

Residuary gift: Leave the remainder or a percentage of your estate once family and friends have been provided for. Many supporters choose to make this type of gift because it maintains its value over time – it isn’t affected by inflation.
Pecuniary gift: Specify a particular amount of money.

To leave us a legacy, choose the method that suits you best:

Write a will: Best if you do not have a will already, or you’re making major changes such as adding a residuary gift to the National Opera Studio.
Use a codicil: Best for making a small change to your will, such as adding a gift of a specific amount to the National Opera Studio.
Letter of wishes: Best for giving personal, non-legally binding directions about your wishes before you next update your will.
Deed of variation: If you become a beneficiary of someone else’s will, you may wish to consider transferring the whole or part of that inheritance to the National Opera Studio using a deed of variation. The gift would be exempt from inheritance tax, which would otherwise have been payable out of the estate.